Shark Tank

After the incredible success of the inaugural Rotary Service Project Shark Tank Event at the Zones 33/34 Summit in Pittsburgh last year, we are excited to announce that this event will return to the Zones 33/34 Summit on September 13, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Rotary Shark Tank aims to identify and showcase Global Grant projects that demonstrate potential for significant impact and long-term sustainability.

We encourage Rotary members from clubs and districts within Zones 33 and 34 to submit their project proposals for consideration.

Rotary Service Project Shark Tank-2025

After the incredible success of the inaugural Rotary Service Project Shark Tank Event at the Zone 33-34 Summit in Pittsburgh this past October, we are excited to announce that this event will return to the Zone 33-34 Summit on September 13, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida.

The goal of the Shark Tank Event is to identify and showcase Global Grant projects that demonstrate potential for significant impact and long-term sustainability.

We encourage Rotarians from clubs and districts within Zones 33 and 34 to submit their project proposals for consideration. Below, you will find the submission criteria and important details regarding the event:
Submission Criteria: Submission Date: May 30, 2025
The Global Grant project should be uploaded it to the Rotary Service Center on rotary.org. Information for your submission will be obtained from rotary.org. A link for your reference will be on the Zones 33/34 Summit website.

1. Project must meet the criteria for a Global Grant including the following: A. Meet eligibility criteria for at least one of the 7 Areas of Focus.
B. Demonstrate sustainability after Rotary completes its work.
C. Show active Rotary partnership between both the host and international Rotary sponsors. A description of how the partners met and the ongoing communication between the partners is encouraged.
D. Include a Community Needs Assessment that documents that the need was identified by the benefitting community and results of a community visit.
E. The Global Grant should have been peer reviewed by the District Rotary Foundation Chair or Global Grant Subcommittee Chair, and be in draft status with a Global Grant number.

2. Preference will be given to grants that involve collaboration with other clubs, charities, and partnerships. There can include additional funding from third party organizations; however 75% should come from Rotary sources, for example, The Rotary Foundation, Rotary Clubs, Districts and Endowment Funds.

3. The Submission must include a project description including the community need, scope, and budget. Photos and videos are encouraged.

4. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate the potential for long-term impact. We are specifically looking for initiatives that have the possibility to evolve into a Program of Scale Grant. The expected impact of these projects may be shown through a single grant or through a series of sequential grants that build upon one another.

What happens if Selected? Decision Date: June 30, 2025
1. The Shark Tank Committee will select three finalists to present their project to a panel of three Rotary “sharks” at the Zone 33-34 Summit held in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday September 13, 2025. The Shark Tank Committee will also select alternates to present if the finalists are unable to do so.

2. If selected, the finalists should provide a 2-to-3 page document which the panel can review prior to the presentation at the Zone 33-34 Summit event. An application will be provided with a link on the Zone Summit website.

3. A detailed budget should be submitted for preliminary reference by the panel.

4. One Rotarian should attend the Zone 33-34 Summit event to present the project. It is highly recommended that a backup is identified, in case a last minute change is required. You may bring others but ONLY ONE will be allowed on stage to present and travel for others will be at your cost.

5. A 1-to-2 minute video to introduce the partners, their project and expected impact is required and will be played at the beginning of the presentation. Deadline for video to be submitted by August 1, 2025 to review team for promotions. The video will be used for teasers prior to the summit and will be included in your final presentation.

6. The presentation will be approximately 5 minutes with a 5-to-7 minute question and answer period from the panel of Rotary “sharks”. Final presentations must be submitted and finalized by August 1, 2025

7. A template will be provided to the finalists and alternates with a lead slide and ending slide for consistency. Remember you have 5 minutes to present so practice your timings. Your video clip is included in the 5 minutes.

What support will the 3 finalists receive? Finalist Docs Due: July 30, 2025
1. Coaching sessions with Past Rotary International Director John Smarge

2. Mentoring about storytelling.

3. Technical support and assistance with video production by Sean Paddy and support for uploading project on Rotary Service Center by Bernie Riedel and Sandra Hemstead

4. Zone 33-34 will provide a travel package for 1 presenter including: – $250 towards airfare, with receipt to be reimbursed
– One hotel room for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights
– Summit registration for 1 person
– Booth in the House of Friendship

5. One winner will be selected by the panel of Rotary “sharks”. The winner will receive a Media Package including, how to create content, social media assistance and ideas, storytelling elements, RI Grant mangers, and Cadre contacts.